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This weekend has the potential to be "Ireland's Cheltenham" when it comes to the spread of the coronavirus if people don't heed the advice and warnings about travelling.

Dr Paddy Mallon, an infectious disease physician, said this morning that the Irish Government acted at the right time unlike the UK, where thousands attended the annual racing event in mid-March, but much of the good work and co-operation of the public could be undone as people move to holiday homes in West Cork and other isolated areas.

He told Newstalk's Breakfast that “we could be seeing a drop off” in cases next week if people stick to the latest restrictions.

He said: "Treat this the same as every other weekend. Stay home, eat chocolate and next week we could be seeing good news."

The majority of Ireland's 235 Covid-19 related deaths have been recorded in the east of the country.